ICELAND'S BEST GEOTHERMAL LAGOONS: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU VISIT?
Explicación de los baños geotermales de Islandia
¿Cuál deberías elegir?
Consejos para su visita
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, and geothermal energy bubbles just beneath the surface. Among its most irresistible attractions are its geothermal lagoons, natural (and sometimes luxurious) hot springs that offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. From world-famous resorts to hidden gems tucked into the countryside, each lagoon has its own unique charm, making it tough to choose which one to visit. In this guide, we’ll compare five of Iceland’s top lagoons: Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Hvammsvík, Laugarás Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. We’ll help you decide which soak suits you best!
Auroras Boreales sobre La Laguna Azul
1. Laguna Azul: la experiencia de spa más icónica
If there’s one name everyone knows, it’s the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa. Nestled in a lava field near Grindavík, this striking milky-blue pool is fed by geothermal water rich in silica, minerals, and algae that are legendary for your skin.
Por qué es genial
- Laguna enorme y mundialmente famosa con aguas azules surrealistas.
- Includes a silica mud mask with most tickets.
- Restaurants, bars, and luxury spa add-ons make it more than just a soak.
- Cerca del aeropuerto de Keflavík: ¡Ideal para una escala!
Ideal for: First-time visitors, spa lovers, and anyone looking for an iconic Iceland experience.
2. Sky Lagoon: Bienestar islandés moderno
Just out of Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon blends geothermal bathing with Icelandic tradition and stunning ocean views. It’s known for the 7-Step Ritual, a series of saunas, cold plunges, and steam experiences designed to elevate wellness.
Por qué es genial
- Spectacular infinity-edge pool overlooking the sea.
- The Ritual makes the experience feel more like a wellness journey than just a soak.
- Tends to feel calmer and more adult-focused than Blue Lagoon.
Ideal for: Wellness-first visitors and those who want dramatic views straight into the ocean.
The infinity pool at Sky Lagoon
Hvammsvík hot pools seen from above
3. Aguas termales de Hvammsvík: jacuzzis de la naturaleza
Want raw nature and relaxation? Hvammsvík Hot Springs sits on the edge of Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), with multiple natural pools, steam baths, and even access to ocean swims. It’s less polished than the big spa resorts, but that’s part of its charm.
Por qué es genial
- Multiple pools at various temperatures, some heated, some ocean-cooled.
- Stunning fjord scenery and often very peaceful.
- Nearby hiking and outdoor options make it a full-day adventure.
Ideal for: Nature lovers and travelers who want Icelandic scenery with their soak.
laguna de Laugarás
4. Laugarás Lagoon: The New Gem in the Golden Circle Experience
One of the newest geothermal lagoons in Iceland, Laugarás Lagoon offers a two-level lagoon, waterfall feature, forest pool, saunas, and swim-up bars, quickly becoming a must-visit stop on the Golden Circle route.
Por qué es genial
- Enjoy it in combination with the Golden Circle + Laugarás Lagoon Combo Deal
- Unique waterfall feature.
- Multiple bathing experiences in one place (sauna, cold plunge, forest pool).
- On-site dining elevates the experience.
Ideal for: Golden Circle travelers and those who want a fresh, varied experience.
5. Secret Lagoon: Classic & Budget-Friendly
If authenticity is your vibe, Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir is Iceland’s oldest geothermal bathing spot, dating back to 1891. It’s simple, rustic, and tucked into nature with hot springs constantly bubbling and even a mini geyser nearby. Very easy to enjoy as a relaxing stop on the Golden Circle route!
Por qué es genial
- A relaxing add-on in your Golden Circle + Secret Lagoon Combo Deal
- More affordable than the mega resorts.
- Classic Icelandic feel: natural steam, simpler facilities, countryside charm.
- Easy to combine with Golden Circle sightseeing.
Ideal for: Budget travelers and lovers of authentic hot spring culture.
Visitante disfrutando de una bebida en Secret Lagoon
Familia relajándose en la Laguna Azul
Entonces… ¿Cuál es la mejor laguna?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it depends on your priorities:
- Best for iconic experience: Blue Lagoon
- Best for wellness & views: Sky Lagoon
- Best for nature immersion: Hvammsvík Hot Springs
- Best new destination + variety: Golden Circle + Laugarás Lagoon
- Best for budget & authenticity: Golden Circle + Secret Lagoon
Tips for Your Visit
- Book ahead: the lagoons reach their maximum capacity quickly, so it is always best to secure your time slot
- Combine with sightseeing: Some lagoons just work great with Golden Circle combo deals.
- Go at sunset for unforgettable views, especially at Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík.
If you’re short on time, do Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. If you have a bit more adventure in your plans, Hvammsvík, Golden Circle with Secret Lagoon or Golden Circle with Laugarás Lagoon might just steal your heart.
Relaxing sunset at Sky Lagoon
Únete a un tour guiado para ver Auroras Boreales
Preguntas frecuentes sobre la Aurora Boreal
¿Cuándo puedo ver las Auroras Boreales en Islandia?
During this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness for the Aurora to be visible at night.
However, chances of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year. Find out which months are the best for seeing the Aurora here.
¿Por qué no puedo ver la aurora boreal en verano?
Want to know more about light conditions in Iceland? Check the sun graph and learn about twilight and dusk in Iceland.
¿A qué hora aparecen las auroras boreales?
¿Cuánto duran las auroras boreales?
¿Puedo ver la aurora boreal cuando está nublado?
¿Las auroras boreales sólo aparecen cuando hace frío?
¿Se ven las auroras boreales en toda Islandia?
¿Son realmente coloridas las auroras boreales?
Sin embargo, a simple vista , las auroras boreales pueden verse bastante tenuesy, en ocasiones, percibirse como blancas o grisáceas. Esto se debe a las limitaciones de nuestra visión nocturna..
Las cámaras , en cambio, pueden capturar una versión más fiel de los colores, ya que, en la mayoría de los casos, es posible ajustar la configuración del dispositivo para adaptarse mejor a las condiciones nocturnas.
Descubre más sobre cómo mejorar tu visión nocturna y aprender a tomar excelentes fotografías de auroras aquí.
¿Desaparecerán las auroras boreales en el futuro?
La aurora boreal ha sido visible en el Ártico durante siglos, y eso no va a cambiar pronto.
Lo cierto es que la actividad solar, responsable de la aparición de las auroras boreales en nuestro planeta , cambia con el tiempo, siguiendo un ciclo de once años.
Durante cada ciclo solar, el Sol pasa de un pico a un mínimo de actividad. Durante el pico, el llamado"máximo solar", podemos esperar una mayor actividad y, potencialmente, auroras boreales más intensas visibles desde latitudes inusuales (en el hemisferio norte, esto significa que las auroras se avistan más al sur de lo habitual). Mientras que, durante el mínimo solar, estos fenómenos inusualmente intensos se vuelven más raros.
Aun así, en latitudes árticas , las auroras boreales se pueden ver con claridad durante todo el ciclo. E Islandia, al estar dentro del "cinturón de auroras", es y seguirá siendo el destino perfecto para la búsqueda de auroras boreales.!
¿Qué es el valor BZ?
Why does it matter for the Northern Lights? Earth’s magnetic field points north. If the solar wind’s magnetic field (Bz) points south (a negative Bz), it connects with Earth’s field and lets charged solar particles into the atmosphere. This interaction helps create the northern lights. If instead, Bz is positive (northward), the fields don’t connect well, and fewer particles get in — meaning weaker or no aurora.
Think of Bz like an ON/OFF switch: negative Bz (south) = ON, good chance of Aurora soon. Positive Bz (north) = OFF, Aurora less likely.
Learn more about Bz and how the forecast works aquí.
Which are the best forecast apps and websites for Northern Lights hunting?
Chasing the Northern Lights is all about timing, clear skies, and up-to-date aurora forecasts. These tools help you know when and where there’s a good chance of seeing the aurora — so you can plan your night the smart way. For the best results, we recommend using more than one source, as different forecasts interpret data differently.
WEB FORECASTS
- Official AURORA REYKJAVÍK Aurora Forecast 👉 https://aurorareykjavik.is/aurora-forecast/
Our 6-step expert forecast combines geomagnetic activity, cloud cover, and viewing tips — designed for real-time Northern Lights planning. - SpaceWeatherLive
A detailed global space weather site with auroral activity maps and solar parameters. - NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)
The official US space weather forecast model that many aurora apps base their data on.
TOP MOBILE APPS
- My Aurora Forecast – Offers real-time KP index, global aurora maps, push alerts and multi-day forecasts — great for travelers and serious aurora watchers alike.
And don’t forget to unable notifications, so you’ll get alerts when aurora activity spikes.
📍App Store
📍 Google Play
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to experience one of nature’s most magical displays. Whether you’re planning your trip or already in Iceland, the Aurora awaits!
